BuzzFeed editor Crystal has identified a series of obscure historical crimes that are beginning to capture global interest. The list includes cases such as the Ant Hill Kids cult and the Seven Deadly Sins killings, which the report suggests are truly appalling stories deserving of attention.

The shift from mainstream killers to the Ant Hill Kids cult

The true crime genre is undergoing a significant transformation in how it selects its subjects. For decades, the public consciousness was dominated by high-profile, often televised, serial killer cases that became household names. However, as the report suggests, there is a growing appetite for more obscure, historical narratives that move away from the "celebrity killer" archetype.

The inclusion of the Ant Hill Kids cult in Crystal's list highlights a trend toward exploring the psychological depths of cult dynamics and systemic failures rather than just individual acts of violence. This shift allows audiences to engage with historical anomalies and closed-system horrors that have previously been overlooked by mainstream media outlets . By focusing on these complex social structures, creators are tapping into a more research-oriented segment of the true crime community.

The chilling nomenclature of the Seven Deadly Sins killings

The list provided by the BuzzFeed editor includes several cases that rely on evocative or unsettling thematic elements. For example, the "Seven Deadly Sins killings" and the "Bella in the Wych Elm" case suggest a focus on stories with unique, almost folkloric or highly specific ritualistic qualities. According to the report, these accounts are described as truly appalling and deserving of attention.

This thematic approach distinguishes modern curation from traditional news reporting. Rather than simply reporting on a crime , curators are selecting stories like the "Killer Cop" or the "Paz and the Peace Corps incident" based on their narrative weight and historical intrigue. This method of selection suggests that the modern true crime consumer is looking for stories that possess a specific, almost literary, sense of darkness.

The misssing details of the Higashi Igarashi and Terry Jo Duperrault cases

While the report identifies several compelling subjects,it leaves significant gaps regarding the actual historical facts of the cases. The source mentions names such as Higashi Igarashi, Terry Jo Duperrault, Rachel Shoaf, and Shelia Eddy, but it does not provide the essential context of their crimes or the specific time periods in which they occurred. it remains unknown whether these stories are being presented as recent discoveries or as deep dives into established historical archives.

Furthermore, because the report only presents the perspective of the curator, the specific circumstances surrounding the "Paz and the Peace Corps incident" remain unverified within this text. The source does not clarify if there will be follow-up investigations or if these names serve merely as a syllabus for upcoming content.. This lack of granular detail leaves the audience to wonder how these "lesser-known" stories will eventually be contextualized for a wider audience.

Crystal's Los Angeles-based curation of 'That Got Dark'

The curation of these stories is being driven by Crystal, a Senior Editor based in Los Angeles. As the creator of BuzzFeed’s ‘That Got Dark’ newsletter, her work represents a growing niche in digital media where specialized editors act as gatekeepers for high-interest, low-visibility content.. This approach moves away from the broad-stroke reporting of general news outlets and toward a more curated, personality-driven exploration of the macabre.